The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 26: Investigation Request

Episode 26: Investigation Request

As the morning light began to shine, I opened the guild’s door.

Several adventurers were already lined up at the reception desk. Some were staring at the request board, others were discussing strategies with their companions—each one was beginning preparations for the day ahead.

“Good morning, Alphonse-san.”

“Good morning.”

The usual receptionist greeted me with a gentle smile from across the counter. She gave a small nod, lowered her eyes to the documents in her hand, and spoke in a quiet voice.

“There’s a message from the Guild Master. She would like to have a meeting with you this afternoon.”

“Today, you say?”

“Yes. She said she wanted you to be informed without fail.”

(That was faster than I expected.)

Yesterday, I had been told about an “upcoming meeting.” I had mentally prepared myself to some extent. But I didn’t think it would happen the very next day. However—

(If anything, I welcome it.)

Right now, I can see the “path I should take.” The path beyond the “Swordsmanship” skill, the countless unseen skills, and the “Indomitable” skill. I can’t believe they’re unrelated to this meeting. If so, then I just have to seize it.

“Understood. I have no problem with that.”

“Thank you very much. When the time comes, someone in charge will guide you.”

After a light bow, I stepped away from the counter. The plaza bell, which acted as a clock, rang once, then twice.

(…Now then, there’s still time.)

It wouldn’t hurt to once again organize the “growth formula” I had begun to understand. Skills in this world aren’t simple. It’s not just about acquiring them, but how you combine them and how you utilize them. That adaptability is what’s tested.

And that means—

(…There’s still more to combat.)

That thought alone brought me more joy than anything else.

◆

In the afternoon, I was guided to the same meeting room I had visited before. As always, the place was so quiet, it was hard to believe it was part of the noisy guild hall.

“This way.”

I bowed to the staff member who had guided me. When I knocked on the door—

“Come in,” 

A clearly audible woman’s voice came from inside.

When I opened the door, the one sitting there was Guild Master Irina. After confirming my presence, she gave a slight smile and motioned for me to sit.

“Thanks for coming. I’ll get straight to the point.”

There was no pretense in Irina’s expression. No jokes or small talk—she dove straight into the main topic. Which was very much like her.

“A request has arrived from the Principality of Lustea’s Academy. Officially, it’s labeled as a ‘mining site investigation,’ but… they’re requiring detailed survey results, reports, and activity records.”

“So, it’s not a normal request, huh.”

“Yeah. The Academy’s position makes it troublesome in a lot of ways. That’s why they need someone appropriate… and I’d like to recommend you.”

“…May I ask why?”

Irina was silent for just a brief moment. She then quietly nodded.

“First of all, there’s Gilius’ report. He highly evaluated your mock battle with him—especially your ability to ‘read’ situations. That guy rarely praises anyone. So even I was a bit surprised.”

Her tone sounded casual. But her eyes reflected a definite trust.

“But that’s just a ‘push.’ The real reason I want to recommend you is something else.”

Irina looked down at a document on the desk. It was likely a record of all my past activities.

“I’ve read through all the requests you’ve taken on, your reports, your results—everything. What stood out was your precision and consistency.”

She looked straight at me.

“An Academy investigation isn’t a battlefield. It requires careful judgment, accurate reporting, and calm responsiveness. Strength alone isn’t enough to handle it.”

“…”

“I’ve judged that you’re someone who can do that. Your track record proves it.”

There wasn’t a shred of hesitation in her voice. Merit-based, result-focused—it was logic fitting of a guild master.

“And on top of that—Gilius said, ‘If he keeps training, he’ll surpass me.’”

Finally, a faint smile appeared on Irina’s lips.

“This opportunity shouldn’t be bad for you either. Whether you accept it is your choice… but I want you to go.”

A brief silence passed.

“You’ll be allowed one companion in principle. Coordination will be needed with a representative from the Academy. You won’t get to choose who, but you’ll have discretion in decisions at the site.”

“I see. Understood.”

Irina smiled slightly. She then returned to a serious expression.

“…There’s one more thing.”

Saying that, she pulled out a map from a shelf beside the desk. On it was a mountainous region northeast of the city—with a red mark on one section.

“The investigation site is around here. It’s a vein where ‘Magic Ore’ is mined. The objective is to investigate the underground structure and surrounding magical energy reactions. But the area’s safety hasn’t been fully confirmed.”

“So this is more like a field response than just a guard duty.”

“More precisely, it’s an ‘active investigation’ where you’ll be entrusted with judgment at the site. You’re permitted to act alone. In addition to supporting the investigation, you’re instructed to immediately respond and report if danger arises.”

It was clearly a mission with a high degree of freedom. But at the same time, it was proof of trust.

(If the investigation site is a “Magic Ore” mine—)

What flashed through my mind was a vague fragment of memory. In the game, “Magic Ore” was an item that existed. But it didn’t have many uses—mainly a material for selling. Even so, it sold for more than “Silent Soak Stone”. So it wasn’t a complete throwaway.

In any case, if “Magic Ore” could be harvested, then “Silent Soak Stone” would almost certainly appear alongside it. That was something I knew from thoroughly playing the game.

If so, and if the conversion process for certain people also exists here…

(If this world has that “mechanic”—)

There couldn’t be a better opportunity. Under the name of an investigation request, I could obtain “Silent Soak Stone.” And if the game’s system does exist—

(There’s a possibility I could acquire the “Indomitable” skill.)

Stability of the mind under any circumstance. A mental core to support my ability to read. It’s a vital element to move forward.

“—When is the departure?”

When I answered immediately, Irina narrowed her eyes slightly and nodded.

“As early as three days from now. By then, I plan to arrange a meeting with the Academy representative. I’ll share details as they come.”

“Understood.”

As I stood and bowed, Irina quietly added one final remark.

“You’ll be fine. But still—don’t overdo it.”

In her voice, I thought I sensed just a trace of emotion—something more than what a guild master would normally show.

◆

After the meeting at the guild, I returned to the usual inn. By then, the sky had already been fully covered in the curtain of night.

“Welcome back. You’re a little late today, huh?”

Greeting me was the innkeeper. Her smile was as gentle as always—soothing enough to melt away my fatigue. Or at least, it felt that way.

“I had a rather long meeting.”

“In that case, I’ll prepare a late-night meal for you.”

“That would help.”

I bowed lightly and was about to head to my room. But then the landlady casually muttered:

“Oh right, that girl was spreading out maps today like crazy. Made me wonder if there’s somewhere she wants to go.”

(That girl… must be Linea.)

Her behavior seemed a little unusual, and it caught my attention. But, I figured she probably had things to think about in her own way.

With that, I nodded lightly.

(For now, I should focus on myself.)

Telling myself that, I headed to my room.

Original Author’s Comment:

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